Certified Peer Support Specialist

About Us

Join Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families throughout the St. Louis area. As a mission-driven healthcare organization, we are committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care to those who need it most. We offer rewarding healthcare careers, competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive, collaborative culture. If you are seeking a career that provides purpose and opportunity, Betty Jean Kerr People's Health Centers is the place to grow, make a difference, and build a rewarding future.

Employee Perks

• Affordable Medical & Prescription Drug Benefits
• Healthcare/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Dental & Vision
• PTO & Sick Time Accrual
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 401K Employer Match up to 4%
• Voluntary Short-Term Disability
• Employer Paid Long-Term Disability
• Legal Plan/ Plus Parent Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Discount Programs for Travel, Entertainment, Childcare, Auto & More

About the Role

The Certified Peer Support Specialist plays a vital role in providing empathetic, lived-experience-based support to individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. This position focuses on fostering hope, empowerment, and recovery by sharing personal experiences and offering guidance through the recovery process. The specialist collaborates closely with clinical teams to create a supportive environment that encourages self-advocacy and resilience. By building trusting relationships, the specialist helps clients develop coping strategies and connect with community resources. Ultimately, this role aims to enhance clients' quality of life and promote sustained recovery through peer-led support.

Minimum Qualifications

• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist from a recognized state or national program.
• Personal lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in peer support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer literacy for documentation and communication purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in behavioral health or community-based recovery programs.
• Additional certifications related to mental health, substance use, or trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with local community resources and social service systems.
• Training in crisis intervention or de-escalation techniques.
• Bilingual abilities or cultural competency relevant to the served population.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one peer support and mentorship to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
• Facilitate peer support groups and recovery-oriented activities that promote engagement and community building.
• Collaborate with clinical and social service teams to develop individualized recovery plans and ensure continuity of care.
• Advocate for clients’ needs and preferences within treatment settings and community resources.
• Maintain accurate documentation of peer support interactions and progress in accordance with organizational policies.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to enhance peer support skills and knowledge.
• Promote awareness and education about peer support services within the community and among stakeholders.

Skills

The Certified Peer Support Specialist utilizes active listening and empathetic communication daily to build trust and rapport with clients. Problem-solving and advocacy skills are essential for helping individuals navigate complex healthcare and social service systems. Organizational skills support accurate documentation and coordination with multidisciplinary teams. Knowledge of recovery principles and trauma-informed care guides the specialist in facilitating supportive group sessions and individualized interventions. Additionally, cultural competency and adaptability enable the specialist to effectively engage diverse populations and tailor support to meet unique client needs.